NCJ Number
88980
Date Published
1983
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Airlines must protect themselves against poor packaging by shippers, and they themselves must handle packages properly so as to reduce THE possibility of damage.
Abstract
Since the large majority of U.S. shippers use fiberboard cartons that meet the requirements of the Uniform Freight Classification, damage appears to result less from inadequate carton material than from faulty packaging procedures, improper carton size, inadequate interior protection, and unsound and insecure assembly and closure. The proper selection of a carton for the shipping of a particular item involves four principal considerations: (1) resistance to compression, (2) strength of score lines (creased edges), (3) resistance to puncture, and (4) ability of the fiberboard to resist the weakening effects of moisture. Although an airlines can bring many of the weaknesses of packing to the attention of shippers through sales promotion and general education programs, the carrier's best protection against packing deficiencies is to recognize the problems and take appropriate measures. Standard protective actions include refusal of items inadequately packed for air carriage, the stowing of cartons upright, keeping pallets in good repair, building unit loads properly, protecting packages from netting on pallet boards, and using lift trucks properly. Photographs and drawings show proper and improper packaging and handling of cartons for air shipping.